Chapter 23 Summary

Bringing Ayla to the Clan Gathering is more of a risk to the Clan's status than Brun has realized. Ayla's own Clan has grown to accept her strange looks over the years, but it is too much to accept so quickly for the other Clans. The other magicians have even told Mog-ur that they would prefer to forego the special ceremonial drink, rather than have it made by one of the Others. For this reason, it is more important than ever that Brun's Clan comes first in all competitions. Otherwise, the Cave Bear Clan is in danger of losing its first place status.

Brun is beaten in the bola race, which hurts the Clan's standing. However, Broud wins the running spear race, bringing their prestige back up.

The next event of the gathering is the Bear Ceremony. For a full day, the pampered...